Eyemart Express, a new eye care retailer, opened its sixth Austin-area location in the Gateway 29 development in Leander, near the border of Liberty Hill.

What they're saying: “As the first Eyemart Express in Leander, our team is proud to bring a new standard of convenient and affordable eye care to the community,” Eyemart Express general manager Crystal McAnally said.

What they offer: The store offers more than 2,000 frames for adults and children. The store also carries several designer brands, including Versace, Michael Kors and Kendra Scott. Eye exams and same-day service for glasses are available at the Leander location. Residents can also provide their current prescription to staff.

As part of the opening promotion, the business is offering “buy one, get one free” sales on prescription frames, according to a news release. The store also offers a 20% discount for veterans, military families, teachers, school staff, first responders and healthcare workers.

• 8481 West Hwy. 29, Ste. 130, Leander

Williamson County property tax statements for 2026 will start being mailed the week of Oct. 19, but many residents might have to wait to receive theirs, according to a county news release.

The full story: Some adopted tax rates must still be approved by voters in the Nov. 3 election for Coupland ISD, Florence ISD, Georgetown ISD, Leander ISD and Round Rock ISD, Tax Assessor-Collector Catherine Totty said in the release. Tax statements for about 130,000 properties in those districts will be mailed after tax rate election results are finalized.

Taxes are due upon receipt of the statement and become delinquent Feb. 1, the release states.

Central Texas could experience increased moisture and slightly cooler temperatures as El Niño lingers through the fall and winter, Pflugerville weather forecaster James Greenhaw said in an interview with Community Impact.

According to a report from NOAA, there is an 83% chance that this will be the strongest El Niño on record. Greenhaw, who's known as the "Pflugerville Weather Guy" for sharing updates on social media, explained the effects this natural climate pattern could have on the area.

What is El Niño?

The description is hard to exactly say, but it's basically the warming of the Pacific waters west of Central America.

How will El Niño affect Central Texas weather?

In a typical El Niño year, what that does is it brings in more moisture towards the United States, especially toward Texas.

What’s the timeline of El Niño?

December through I would say March [or] April months are going to be our highest chances to see an increased rainfall. Not necessarily flooding, but it can happen.

Check out some of the most-read stories from the Austin area Oct. 12-16.

1. Williamson County breaks ground on new phase of Ronald Reagan Boulevard

2. Miniature golf, live music returning to former Back 9 Bar space

3. From major store openings to closings: Check out 11 San Marcos business updates

4. Check out the latest Loop 360 updates

5. Patel Brothers grocery store now open in Cedar Park

6. Austin, UT announce deal to preserve Muny